A top attorney specializing in aviation law is appealing to the new administration to keep the formation of an aircraft registry on the agenda.
Llewellyn Boyer-Cartwright, a senior associate with Callenders & Co., recently attended a seminar in Washington D.C. entitled, International Aircraft Financing and Leasing. He met with a committee member of the Cape Town Convention, the international accord that creates rules and regulations for international registries.
"I found it very informative. He felt we would be crazy not to establish an aircraft registry. In today's global economy, we have to be innovative and proactive and think of ways of generating income," explained Boyer-Cartwright, who recently became the first Bahamian to be admitted to the Lawyer Pilots Bar Association.
"If we can get a registry here, it opens up all kinds of business opportunities."
The top attorney said he remains unsure as to whether the new government considers an aircraft registry a priority. The previous Free National Movement administration, he added, was "fully on board and well versed" on the subject.
Creating an aircraft registry could attract a number of offshore companies, both private and public, and provide employment opportunities for Bahamians. In essence, the establishment of a registry adds yet another layer of convenience for prominent companies and individuals with considerable interests in the country. Aircraft leasing, purchasing, offshore maintenance facilities and lending from financial institutions are all important spin-off opportunities.
Back in February, Raymond Bassett, the Irish ambassador to The Bahamas, Canada and Jamaica, visited The Bahamas and threw his weight behind the concept.
Ireland has one of the largest flight registries in the world.
"What individuals want is a one-stop shop," said the ambassador.
"There are many things corporations or high-net-worth individuals want to register and a flight registry would allow them to do it all in one jurisdiction. It's part of the package of an aviation industry, not to mention a financial services industry."
While an aircraft registry is uncertain, Boyer-Cartwright nevertheless applauded the intention of the new government to bring in a civil aviation authority. The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) made the announcement during the Speech from the Throne last week.
"The problem we have right now with the authority is they are policing themselves," Boyer-Cartwright told Guardian Business. "So I am very much in favor of that. I would be more than happy to join one of the boards. Certainly what is really important here are standards."
By bolstering the country's reputation as an aviation center, the senior associate at Callenders & Co. explained that the move should translate into more business down the road.
"It comes down to safety, which comes down to reputation. You build upon that. I would say that's the immediate impact," he added.
Randy Butler, CEO of SkyBahamas, told Guardian Business that a true commitment to creating a civil aviation authority should mean its establishment within six months.
He said the resources, money and human capital exist to make it happen, and it simply requires the will and coordination.
"The biggest thing is we have to have the proper people in place," said Butler.
"We have some great minds already in the aviation sector and if we need to bring individuals from other countries to assist with training in this area, then we should do that. There are some people that have retired early that can be brought back and contribute to the plans of the government."

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